A widely distributed genus of lice. The crab (or pubic) louse, P. pubis, is a common parasite of man that lives permanently attached to the body hair, particularly that of the pubic or perianal regions but also on the eyelashes and the hairs in the armpits. Crab lice are not known to transmit disease but their bites can irritate the skin. An infestation may be acquired during sexual intercourse or from hairs left on clothing, towels, and toilet seats.
A genus of sucking lice belonging to the order Anoplura.